The evidence gathered by the OFT indicates that the two companies were close competitors before the merger, and post-merger the parties will be the leading suppliers in PVC roofline products.

Ali Nikpay, OFT Senior Director and Decision Maker in this case said: “We are concerned that the merger will reduce the competitive options for roofers, builders and independent stockists and could lead to price increases. We therefore believe that our duty to refer the merger to the Competition Commission has been triggered in this case.”